On the emergence of eukaryotes and other enigmas

Biosystems. 2023 Sep:231:104958. doi: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.104958. Epub 2023 Jul 12.

Abstract

The origin of eukaryotes is one of the most fundamental problems in the entire history of life. How did eukaryotes arise? Previous attempts to solve the problem are very far from an answer, at best they propose a solution to one of the various innovations that ended up culminating in eukaryotes. Based on a hypothetical-deductive methodology, as usual in evolutionary issues, I propose that eukaryotes emerged from the endosymbiotic association between a flagellate parasite and its host, of which the sperm is the main vestige. The hypothesis unifies the solution to the vast array of acquisitions shared by eukaryotes that differentiate them from other beings, remarkably cell nucleus, mitosis, meiosis and sexual reproduction. The solution has a deep impact on understanding the origin and functioning of all complex life forms.

Keywords: Endosymbiosis; Origin of eukaryotes; Origin of mitosis; Origin of sexual reproduction; Origin of the cell nucleus.

MeSH terms

  • Biological Evolution
  • Cell Nucleus
  • Eukaryota*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mitosis
  • Semen*